Bought 2 weeks ago from Jessops
( i know i could probably have found a better deal but i wanted it quickly so buying in store was my only option).
My initial thoughts were that i had spent too much (and i probably did
) but i wanted to buy 1 tripod that would last me for a number of years. I was guided by the thought that a heavy tripod would mean i would probably never take it with me so CF was going to be my material of choice (only issue was whether my other half would allow me the additional cost and she did 
). I also wanted a strong head that i would be able to use for most lenses in future (300mm will probably be my longest lens as i have no plans to buy extreme telephoto lenses as im not a birder or nature photographer).
Thoughts on the tripod - strong but lightweight - means i will tend to use it when i go out. The legs seem very rigid as do the locks. I wasnt woried about the lack of the horizontal centre column as i dont do macro and i dont have the need to work off centre from the tripod. It appears to be very stable for its weight but if i need additional stability i will add a rockbag or something similar for additional weight.
Thoughts on the head - as others have reviewed it, i wont go into depth about it except to say that it is one sturdy head. Ive had my 400D (with grip), my flash (Sigma 500) and my standard lens (sigma 18-50 f2.8 ) on it and it doesnt move in the slightest.
Overall - 4.5 out of 5 (took 0.5 off as it was damn expensive at £269.00!!:rolleyes
